The "crown" is the part of a tooth visible above the gumline. Sometimes more of the tooth below the gums must be exposed to fill a cavity near the gumline or place a new crown on a broken tooth. "Crown lengthening" provides more tooth structure for this to be done. This helps to ensure that the general dental procedure is successful and prevents gum irritation.

Crown lengthening can also be done to correct a "gummy smile." See the page on Esthetic Crown Lengthening and Gingival Contouring for more information.

Procedure:

Your periodontist first uses a local anesthetic and gently recontour excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth.